Charles Smith

Personality Charles is described as a quiet and reserved man, but very competent in everything he takes part in, especially fighting, to the point that he is able to compete successfully with an unblemished record in fighting tournaments such as the one at St. Denis in 1907. He is very courageous and selfless, giving any help he can to the Elk Indian Reservation, rescuing Captain Monroe and Eagle Flies from the U.S. Army, and telling Sadie and John to flee from Micah's men first while he would presumably catch up with them later, despite being badly wounded. He is almost always calm, only showing visible happiness or anger on a few short occasions. Charles is perhaps the most honorable member of the gang, being cold-blooded and not prone to killing; the continued bloodshed caused by the gang eventually causes him to become disillusioned with them and instead help the Wapiti Indians. He disapproves of people who are nothing more than brutal killers, such as his notable disdain for the Callander brothers and Micah. He is also compassionate towards wild animals, showing a rare visible anger when confronted by poachers killing bison for sport. He despises racism, instantly throwing Micah to the ground for calling him a redskin, and is visibly impressed by Dutch's fair treatment of all races. He is also shown to be thoughtful and kind, burying Susan and Arthur after their bodies were discovered. In Arthur's case, he buried him in a particularly picturesque location with an ornate headstone. Ultimately, he can be described as an altruist. He is quick to help anyone who has helped him or needs help, no matter how bad their condition may be or how little benefit it may bring them. He teaches Arthur how to shoot a bow while still wounded (despite Arthur's protests) to save the gang from certain starvation, actively seeks to reunite the German family (despite Arthur's protests again), and unconditionally helps John and his uncle build the ranch at Beecher's Hope in 1907.